A probation office in Bangor is to relocate to Caernarfon after a contact centre for victims of sexual abuse opened nearby.
The Ministry of Justice said it was “not appropriate” to remain at Parc Menai in Bangor as young offenders would be in close proximity to victims.
The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales provides information, specialist support and therapy to anyone aged 3 and over who has experienced any kind of sexual abuse or violence either recently or in the past. They also provide specialist support and therapy to partners and family members of those who have been affected by sexual abuse and violence.
Planning officers at Gwynedd Council approved the application to move the probation office and its 45 staff to a former court building in Caernarfon.
The Ministry of Justice told Gwynedd Council: “The National Probation Service (NPS) supervise service users living in the community, many of which have been released into the community following a prison sentence.
“The aim is to protect the public from the risks posed by service users, support victims of crime, reduce re-offending and help build safer communities.
“NPS have been required to relocate the service following the opening of a contact centre in Bangor for victims of sexual abuse.
“It was not considered appropriate for the two sites to be located within close proximity to each other given the service users that will attend each site.
“As such there is an urgent need for NPS to relocate.”
Caernarfon Town Council welcomed the move to premises opposite Caernarfon Justice Centre, which houses the crown, magistrate and youth courts.
